NOVA residents know that our summers are hot and our winters are cold. In Northern Virginia, winter lows of -30F aren’t unheard of, and summers can be a humid and sticky 100F. We’ve all sweltered through summer, and we all know someone who has come home to burst pipes in the winter. But by setting your HVAC’s thermostat to the right temperature you can avoid a disaster while also keeping bills manageable. Here’s what to know.
Winter: Set your thermostat to 70F in the winter
The State Corporation Commission of Virginia recommends keeping your thermostat to 70F in the winter. As low as 68F is fine – and you can go about 10 degrees lower still if you plan to be away. Setting your thermostat to this temperature keeps the chills at bay while also offering benefits including:
- System longevity – your system doesn’t have to work overtime to maintain a temperature, reducing wear and improving longevity.
- Energy efficiency – your energy bills will be more moderate if you stick to this temperature.
- Reduced risk of burst pipes – running the heat during sub-freezing temperatures keeps pipes warm and reduces the risk of freezing. Pipe insulation and heating in basement areas can also help reduce this risk. Don’t turn your system off completely if you plan to be away!
Note that if you have a heat pump, the auxiliary heat system automatically turns on when the outside temperature approaches freezing. This has nothing to do with your thermostat temperature, but is actually because the heat pump can’t extract enough heat from the outside air at these temperatures, so it needs “help”. Is your auxiliary system running even when temperatures are warmer? Then there may be an issue with your system – and it might be time to call in the pros at Shaw!
In cases where your HVAC system isn’t warming your home to the right temperature, first check your air filters. What seems to be a problem with your gas heat is often caused by dirty filters that are preventing warm air from flowing through your house. Call your technician changing your filters doesn’t help.
Summer: Set your thermostat to 78F in the summer
As much as you want it to be t-shirt weather inside during the summers, your HVAC system doesn’t always agree. The State Corporation Commission of Virginia recommends setting your thermostat to 78F in the summer; between 72-76 is generally okay as well. Be mindful that the slightly improved air quality and comfort at these levels may come with slightly increased costs.
One thing to be aware of is the difference between the temperature outside and the temperature inside. The hotter the temperature outside, the harder and longer your system needs to work to reach your desired temperature. If there’s only a ten-degree difference, your system can handle your cooling needs pretty easily – but if temperatures hit 100F+ things will take longer.
The degree and consistency of cooling will also depend on factors like the age and quality of your system, which way your house faces, and whether you’ve invested in shade trees, blinds and double glazed windows. Making smart choices here can really help your system work at its best!
Want to ensure that your system is ready for the coming temperature extremes? Talk to the team at Shaw! We can assess your current system, make sure it’s running smoothly, and help walk you through your options for ensuring maximum efficiency no matter what the weather brings.